Baldy Mountain From Above Copperpark

At Philmont Scout Ranch, NM, if you camp overnight in Greenwood Canyon (aka Cottonwood Canyon on some maps), then hike over to Copperpark you'll ascend over 3,000 feet until you're thrust into the view in the image. It's a great relief knowing that the rest of your day's hike is downhill--until you start it! Expect an extremely steep descent on loose rock where the only thing keeping you from falling head over heels are the aspen trees you'll want to grab for support!

BTW, there is a story to tell about the taking of this image. I was backing up to take it when I unexpectedly tripped over some deadfall. The camera slammed to the ground as I groped for balance. Ronn, my frequent hiking partner, said I looked like an overturned turtle flailing on top of my pack as he came to my rescue. It was then that we all noticed that the camera had taken the brunt of the fall--mostly on the compact flash access cover, which was broken off. Here I was on day 3 of a 10-day trip and my camera was smashed! I tried it out and it wouldn't even turn on. After changing the batteries and trying a few other things, my son, Curtis, noticed that the access cover had a small pin on it. Looking at the camera he realized that the pin was designed to turn off the camera whenever the access door was open. Taking a small twig, he gently pressed it into a small opening on the camera and .. voila! .. it came to life! A little duct tape (you just got to love that stuff!) and he had the camera working (if not looking!) as good as new! :-)

Comments

As a Scouter myself I always enjoy the pics with stories and group shots! My troop wears red t-shirts and we always call our good shots something like "red shirts movin". Again, great picture, great story, phenomenal luck and great use of duct tape!